When you think of Weehawken, the Lincoln Tunnel or Alexander Hamilton’s famous duel with Aaron Burr might come to mind.
Lately, however, Weehawken has been getting attention for something new: its food scene.
Things are about to get even more exciting with the opening of DRIFT Restaurant & Bar in the Lincoln Harbor district.
This spot will bring something fresh with its amazing waterfront views, a menu sure to impress, and a unique rotating dining platform that gives you a new view of the city every time you visit.
It’s much more than a place to eat—it’s a whole new experience!
- DRIFT Restaurant & Bar is about to open in Weehawken. It will feature a rotating dining platform with killer NYC skyline views.
- The place boasts a chic, mid-century modern design, a massive 100-foot bar, and a retractable outdoor terrace for all-year dining.
- Michelin-starred Chef Bryan Noury is crafting a seafood-heavy, modern American menu to make this a must-visit spot.
A Design That’s Anything But Ordinary
Let’s start with the space.
DRIFT is 17,000 square feet of pure, mid-century modern gorgeousness.
This place used to be Houlihan’s, but it’s had a major glow-up.
Jeremy Casilli, the mastermind behind some of the coolest restaurants on New Jersey’s Gold Coast (Hudson & Co. and Pier 115), brings this vision to life.
And there’s no secret that he’s going all out.
The interior is inspired by Henry Hudson’s Half Moon vessel, so you can expect nautical vibes with a modern twist.
Vanessa Deleon from VDA Designs and Sasi Kissane from Zilkz Studios teamed up to nail the look.
From oversized olive trees sprinkled around the dining room to recessed ceiling coves that hide soundproofing, this place is built to be beautiful and cozy.
Oh, and did I mention the rotating dining platform?
Yes, you read that right.
As you sip your wine or enjoy some fresh sushi, the dining room will slowly rotate, giving you panoramic views of the NYC skyline.
Every hour, you’ll have done a full 360-degree rotation.
And the bar is a showstopper.
The 100-foot-long bar is decked out in brass and emerald green tiles, and it’s where you can watch chefs in action, prepping sushi and crudo right before you.
Plus, there’s an ice mountain that’ll display the catch of the day in all its glory.
The bar is going to be a hotspot, whether you’re grabbing a cocktail or indulging in fresh seafood.
And if you’re more of an outdoor type, you’ll love the other side of this bar.
There’s a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with a retractable pergola, so you can chill out and dine al fresco, rain or shine.
Views of Manhattan?
Check.
Summer House Patio bar?
Double-check.
It’ll be the perfect spot to unwind.
The Food: Seafood Lovers, Rejoice!
Now, for the best part: the food.
Chef Bryan Noury, the guy in charge of the kitchen, has some serious cred.
He’s worked at places like Le Bernardin, Restaurant Daniel, and Eleven Madison Park.
So, this isn’t his first rodeo when it comes to top-notch cooking.
The menu he’s crafting for DRIFT has “modern American with global influences” written all over it, focusing heavily on seafood.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Small plates for sharing: Perfect for those nights when you want to sample everything.
- Sushi and hand rolls: Watch it being made right at the bar, fresh as it gets.
- Raw bar: Featuring the catch of the day, displayed on that impressive ice mountain.
- Line-caught fish: Super fresh and sustainably sourced.
- Steaks and flatbread pizzas: Because who doesn’t love a good steak or crispy flatbread?
Chef Noury aims to give you a dining experience that feels relaxed and upscale.
And most importantly, whether you’re a seafood fanatic or someone with a special dietary restriction, there will be something on this menu for everyone.
More Than Just Food: DRIFT’s Perfect Vibe
While DRIFT’s food will definitely be a highlight, it’s more than that—it’s about the whole experience.
Casilli and his team have considered everything to make your time at DRIFT unforgettable.
Wander Debrito, the Vice President of Operations at 3 Group Hospitality, will oversee the day-to-day operations so that everything runs smoothly.
With the rotating dining platform, sleek mid-century modern design, and a view of the NYC skyline that’ll leave you speechless, the vibe here will be unmatched. It’s not like there’s an abundance of restaurants offering the same unique feel that DRIFT is aiming for.
You won’t have to deal with the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, but you’ll still get all the sophistication and style that come with a big-city dining experience.
Casilli himself said it best:
“Our goal is to provide a relaxed and welcoming dining experience that still highlights the standout elements of our culinary offerings. With our unique blend of cuisine, pioneering craft cocktails, and the innovative rotating platform, we aim to redefine the dining experience along the Gold Coast.”
Sounds like a recipe for success, right?
When’s the Opening? Stay Tuned!
So, when can you grab a seat at DRIFT?
Unfortunately, they don’t have an official opening date just yet.
But what we do know is that it’s going to be worth the wait.
With DRIFT adding to Weehawken’s fast-growing dining scene, this little pocket of New Jersey is about to get much more exciting.
Get Ready for DRIFT
In a nutshell, DRIFT Restaurant & Bar is shaping up to be a game-changer for Weehawken.
With its rotating platform, killer views, sleek mid-century design, and a menu crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, it’s set to become one of the most talked-about spots in the area.
Keep an eye out for the opening date. Once it’s open, you’ll want to get a reservation as soon as possible.
DRIFT will have it all, even if you’re in the mood for a sushi roll with a view or want to sip a cocktail while the skyline rotates around you.
Weehawken’s dining scene is leveling up, and DRIFT is leading the charge.
